On 1 May 1978 the newly formed People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) government elected its first cabinet following the coup in late April. Among the changes, Abdul Qadir was appointed Minister of Defence in early May, reflecting the consolidation of power by the Khalq faction within the party. This internal reshuffle signalled a shift in power dynamics and foreshadowed severe internal purges. The rapid centralisation of military and security control by the PDPA would set the stage for broader conflict across the country.
